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A preponderance of reporting out of Europe has linked Alexander Ring, midfielder for German second division side Kaiserslautern, with a move to New York City FC. Now, it appears that the 25 year old is all but on his way to Jacksonville to join preseason camp.
Our friends at Empire of Soccer, citing a source close to the negotiations, placed Ring in New York for a physical over the weekend. The prevailing expectation is that the player joins his new teammates in Florida later this week.
A former Borussia Monchengladbach and HJK Helsinki player, Ring boasts eight goals and five assists in 85 appearances for Kaiserslautern. He has 42 caps for Finland dating back to 2011. Though he can take up a number of different roles coming up the middle, Ring would figure to be a deep midfielder for NYCFC whether or not the team uses its available designated player spot on a number-six destroyer.
The player’s contract was due to expire this summer, but given that he’s fallen out of favor in Germany -- he has just ten appearances in the 2.Bundesliga this year — we’re willing to be that his deal will be dissolved by mutual consent, allowing him to come to New York City on a free transfer.
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